These days, electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage. In fact, according to Cox Automotive, EV sales grew by 44.8% year over year, reaching almost 100,000 EV sales in the first quarter of this year. Cox Automotive reports that EV sales will likely continue to rise too. As for the bestselling EVs of 2021? Cox Automotive says that, so far, these are among the best-selling EVs of 2021. 

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in the U.S.

Price: $51,490
Range: 326 miles

According to Cox Automotive, Tesla sold an estimated 69,300 vehicles in Q1 and continues to dominate the EV market. In fact, when it comes to overall sales, Tesla accounted for a whopping 71% of total EV sales in the first quarter. While that’s down from 83% share in Q1 2020, it’s still impressive.

It should come as no surprise then that the Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in the US, at least so far. This luxury EV boasts a base price of $51,490, along with an estimated range of up to 326 miles. Consumer Reports also gave it high marks in road tests and predicted owner satisfaction. The NHTSA gave it a 5-star overall safety rating too.

The Tesla Model 3 is the second best-selling EV in the U.S.

Price: $39,490
Range: 263 miles

Following the Tesla Model Y as the second best-selling EV is the Tesla Model 3. Cox Automotive reports that while the Tesla Model 3 was the top best-selling EV in 2020, sales in the US did decline by more than 50% year over year in the first quarter of 2021. According to Cox Automotive, the decline in sales can likely be attributed to the Tesla Model Y’s increase in sales.

That’s no reason to avoid the Tesla Model 3, however. In fact, for EV shoppers in the market for an affordable EV, the Tesla Model 3 makes for a fine choice. It boasts a low starting price of $39,490, and its base model delivers 263 miles of range, while the long-range model delivers up to 353 miles of range. This year’s Model 3 was also included in Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice list, which is certainly nothing to scoff at.

The Chevy Bolt continues to be a best-selling affordable EV

Price: $36,500
Range: 259 miles

The Chevy Bolt is among the best-selling EVs of 2021 too. Unlike other best-selling EVs, the Chevy Bolt is not considered a luxury EV. For those shopping for an affordable EV, that’s definitely good news. 

In fact, this year’s model starts at $36,500, making it the cheapest EV on the list. It boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 259 miles too and comes recommended by Consumer Reports.

The organization not only ranked it as the number one EV on the market today, but it also gave it a 78 overall score, along with a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Additionally, this year’s Bolt earned itself a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

The all-new Ford Mustang Mach-E outsold two Tesla models

Price: $42,895
Range: 230 miles

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is new to the EV scene. It made its dealership debut back in December and, since then, has outsold popular EVs like the Tesla Model S and Model X.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $42,895. This EV SUV is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs too. For affordable EV shoppers, that could make the Ford Mustang Mach-E a more budget-friendly option.

As for how many miles the Ford Mustang Mach-E can go? According to Ford, standard Mach-E models deliver an estimated 230 miles of range. Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 model boasts 305 miles of range.

The benefits of buying an electric car

Perhaps the biggest benefit to buying an electric car is that they are considered significantly better for the environment. According to Car and Driver, EVs typically require less expensive and less frequent maintenance too. Even better, several tax credits are available to EV owners.